One Way to Keep Our Heart Believing

It doesn’t matter whether we’re long-time Christians or brand new, when life gets difficult and money is tight it is only natural to question things with regard to biblical stewardship. We wonder if it’s ok to not give, or to give less, even if only for a little while. We don’t even flinch at the thought of stopping our saving (if we were doing any to start with). When it comes to spending we might wonder if it’s ok to still spend on this or that non-essential thing while we’re in tough times. The struggle is real, and the juggling act of decisions is difficult.

As we seek direction from the word we find scriptures to remind us that giving is first and it is an act of faith and obedience. We can also find that the purpose for that obedience is not just to follow rules but to act on our profession of faith in God the owner and provider of everything. Here’s an example of that reminder for me.

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:10 (NIV)

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21 (NIV)

Believing with our heart is where our faith starts. Professing it with our mouth is how we are saved. Acting on that belief and profession includes the choices we make with our treasure.

Believing is one thing, professing is salvation, but to maintain a big audacious faith in the loving God that forgives our sins and saves our souls we have to ask ourselves some tough questions. Whether things are good or bad or ugly, where is our faith? Do we really believe with our heart or was our profession all talk?

We have to stand firm on something or we’ll give in to anything. One way to keep our heart believing when the enemy challenges our faith is to keep our treasure professing that our faith is in God.